Daniel Jones expects to be ready to start the 2024 season.
On Thursday, Jones told reporters he has no concerns about his availability for the New York Giants’ Week 1 opener against the Minnesota Vikings. The quarterback hasn’t played since tearing his ACL last November.
“I don’t have any doubt about it right now,” Jones said of Week 1.
Jones took the field for seven-on-seven drills during Thursday’s OTAs. He provided a positive update following the practice.
“It felt good out there today,” Jones said, per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. “But just getting back in the swing of things and playing football against a defense, against guys moving around. I thought it was good today. Continue to kind of progress and continue to work on things.”
After the Giants declined his fifth-year option, Jones parlayed a successful 2022 campaign into a four-year, $160 million deal. He began the contract by throwing just two touchdowns and six interceptions in six games.
Jones missed a month with a neck injury before tearing his ACL in a Week 9 return against the Las Vegas Raiders.
For part of the offseason, it seemed uncertain whether Jones would return to the starting role. However, the Giants ultimately decided against drafting a quarterback with Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye off the board before their No. 6 selection.
“I wasn’t fired up about it, but it’s part of it at this level,” Jones said of Giants quarterback rumors. “Like I said, what I can do is focus on myself and getting healthy, and playing the best football I can play and that I know I’m capable of playing. That’s my job, and that’s what I’m going to do.”
Jones still aims to be cleared for training camp with the goal of suiting up for the Giants on Sunday, Sept. 8.